Her Second-Hand Husband! novel Chapter 31

Anika's PoV

I told mom that Arun is not coming to meet them. I really felt bad to say this to my mom. My mom is always against this new age culture. She always says that the culture they were brought up in was the right one. Talking friendly to the opposite sex is offended by her. Throughout school and college, she wanted me to stay away from boys. She never used the word LOVE in our house. She thought it to be a sin to fall in love with someone before marriage. I should have listened to her advice. If at all I have listened, my dad would be fine now.

Looking back, I realized all that has happened, has happened for no reason. Arun is no more in my life. My mom's advice would have saved me from that embarrassing moment when my mom caught me the other day. It would have saved that awful fight mom and dad had because of me. It would have saved my reputation in my family. It would have saved those slpas from my mom. It would have saved dad from this horrible state he is in now. Everything would have been on a happy note if at all I had listened to her.

"Ma, Arun won’t come. He said he wants time." I told her.

"That mean?" she asked me with a question on her eyebrows.

"That means he is not coming, ever." I told her.

"Are you ok, Anu?" she asked me. What should I tell her? I am really ok. This break up made no dent in my heart. But it sounds awful!

"I am fine, ma." I told her and left the place. I don't like this conversation.

"Adu, keep company with Anu. She is very upset." I heard mom talk to Advay. I wanted to laugh out loud but I thought to leave it as such.

"Ennanga, looks like Anu said no to Arun. She is very upset. I think we must fasten her wedding process. She doesn't have to endure a heart break at this age." I heard mom talk to dad. She is so naïve.

"Then talk to Sivaprakasam. Send her horoscope to him." I managed to understand what dad replied.

Adu, mom and dad started being so kind to me. Adu stopped fighting with me. Mom stopped asking me for help. She gave me all her bouquet orders to keep me occupied when I am home. It all seems so absurd and meaningless. I actually am very normal and I wanted to shout that I am not broken. Thinking back, I remember what all the stupid things I oath myself when dad said a strict NO.

'I should prove dad that I didn't decide things out of hormones. I should let dad know Love is not just a feeling but a feeling without which life is nothing!'

How stupid was I? Turns out that dad was right. It was just hormones. Why else would I not be sad? ARJUN!? No, not him. He has nothing to do with this state of my mind. I just let my family think that I am in a heart break.

I didn't want to bother Nithu with all my melancholy. Her engagement was fixed with Praksh. She is very busy talking to him all day. I am totally happy for her. After marriage she will move to Chennai as he is working there. Her wedding is 3months away. I told her that I broke up with Arun on the phone. I said something was wrong with me and she said that I didn't feel sad because I was not in love with Arun. She said I would be devastated if this happened with Arjun. I don't want to think about that. For hell, I don't know why she always brings him up, it's not like he is submerged, he is always up in my mind and she doesn't have to do that.

There is something wrong with mom and dad for the past two days. I don't know what is happening with them but I know it is not good. She was breaking all the petals while making the garland. She is not concentrating on her work.

"Ma, what is bothering you?" I asked her straight.

"Nothing, dear. I am alright." She said, continuing to break the petals.

"What is it ma? Tell me. Did Arjun sir call you regarding my work?" I asked her. Maybe he said that he can’t help me. If he had done that, it is not his fault.

"No, Anu. He didn't call yet." she said. Oh, ok! He is not bad, remember?

"So that is the problem? It's ok ma. I can find a job myself. I have sent my resume to many job openings. If I am called for an interview, I am sure I will get a job. Don't worry, ma!"

"I know dear." she said. She is not right.

"Ma, look at me. Tell me what is pestering your mind." I asked her, turning her to face me.

"Nothing Anu."

"Ma!"

"Pch, it's Sivaprakasam anna. He said there is a good groom for you. I sent your horoscope to him. Looks like your horoscope matches perfectly with the groom." She said.

"Oh, so?" I don't like it one bit.

"He sent the groom details. Now we don't know how to say No!" she said. Wait, what did I just hear?

"You are going to say No?" I asked her, surprised. I am really happy. But at the same time I wanted to know who it was that my parents wanted to reject.

"Yes, dear. The groom he sent is Arjun. We don't like to marry you to him as a second wife." she said which came in as a shock. Nope! Shock is an understatement.

"What?" is all I could manage to get out of my mouth. This No is something I don't like one bit now.

"Don't worry, dear. We will say a No to them." she said with conviction.

"Hmmm!" was my response. I ran into my room and called Nithu.

‘The subscriber you have called is currently busy. Please try again later!.

Ugh! I have been hearing this same recorded voice for the past hour. How long is she gonna talk to him? I decided to talk to her in person.